How to Diagnose Water Damage in Your Car

Flood damage in a vehicle can be devastating to its overall value. In many cases, serious water damages will total out a car. With the ongoing rainfall and impending wintry conditions, water and flood damage are an even higher risk for cars and trucks. It is a good time to inspect your vehicle for signs of water damage before any existing leaks or flooding can worsen. Furthermore, standing water can quickly evolve into a mold outbreak, which is toxic to your health. The sooner you resolve water damages in a vehicle, the better.

Continue reading to learn how to diagnose flood and water damage in a car, plus how you can make back cash if yours is totaled because of such damage.

Indianapolis IN Auto Salvage Yard 317-608-2188
Indianapolis IN Auto Salvage Yard 317-608-2188

Signs of Flood Damage in a Vehicle

There are many signs you can look for that will tell you how serious the water damages are in your car, if they even exist at all. But the top three signs that are strongly suggestive of flooding include musty smells, visible mold growth on upholstery or carpeting, wetness and moisture, and rust.

Musty Smell

Standing or sitting water will generate a musty smell in the air in enclosed areas. Your car’s interior cabin provides the perfect conditions for damp air to thrive. If you have moderate to serious water damage in your car, your interior is bound to smell like your grandmother’s basement.

Mold Growth

Moisture and lack of sunlight are the perfect conditions for damp air to thrive, but also for mold to grow. If you spot black-ish or dark-colored mold spreading on your seats, inside your trunk, or on your carpeting, you have water damage in your vehicle.

Wetness

If your carpets or upholstery inside your vehicle are wet to the touch after 24 hours, it is safe to assume that your car has moderate to severe water damage. If your carpets are wet after a rainy or snowy day, they should dry within 24 hours.

Corrosion

If the metal components and aesthetics inside your car are showing signs of rusting or corrosion, water could be the source of the problem. Inspect your doors, door jams, dashboard, pedals, and handles for rust or metal corrosion.  Beads of water or moisture inside your tail and headlights are another sign of water damage.

Take Advantage of Auto Salvage if Your Car is Water Damaged

Noticing any of these signs is indicative of a need for immediate auto service or repair. If your car is now totaled because of serious flood and water damage, you can still make good use of it, that is, if you choose a reputable Indianapolis junk car buyer. Auto salvage yards are prime resources for anyone who has a junked or totaled vehicle. The best ones pay cash on the spot and provide free junk car removal.

Not sure which junk car buyer to trust for the highest cash for cars payout? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to speak with a licensed and qualified Indiana cash for cars professional and receive an instant quote over the phone! We also provide free junk car removal!

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Can I Sell a Car That Was Submerged in Water?
General Qualities of a Total Loss Car
Is a Car Totaled if the Airbag Deploys?

GC’s Junk Cars
GC’s Junk Cars 317-608-2188